Frequently Asked Questions About the NYS Registry

Registry information is kept strictly confidential and can only be accessed by 1) Department of Heath employees when required for the performance of their official duties, 2) federally regulated organ procurement organizations such as LiveOnNY, 3) New York State licensed tissue and eye banks and 4) other entities formally approved by the Commissioner of Health. Such access can only be for the purpose of identifying potential organ, tissue and eye (cornea) donors at or near the time of death.

Yes. As of February 14, 2017 anyone over the age of 16 is able to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor in New York State. However, the parents or legal guardians of registered 16 and 17 year olds are still able to rescind the decision of their child while they are a minor.

By enrolling in the New York State Donate Life Registry, you become a designated donor. It means that you are giving legal consent for the recovery of your organs, tissues and eyes for the purposes of transplantation and research at the time of your death. Your legally binding decision may not be overturned by any other person. It ensures that your decision will be shared with your next-of-kin or other authorized person; the donation process will be explained to them in great detail.

The Life Pass It on Registry was established in 1999 as a registry of intent: It recorded someone’s intention to be an organ, tissue and eye donor. Intent registries require permission from next-of-kin or other authorized parson for donation to proceed in the event of the potential donor’s death. In 2006, a new law created the New York State Donate Life Registry: a registry that records an individual’s own legal consent to organ, tissue and eye donation upon their death. To ensure that your decision to be an organ, tissue and eye donor is honored, you must enroll in the Donate Life Registry.